Mikveh

"Mikveh is a bath used for the purpose of ritual immersion in Judaism. The word "mikveh", as used in the Hebrew Bible, literally means a "collection" – generally, a collection of water. Several biblical regulations specify that full immersion in water is required to regain ritual purity after ritually impure incidents have occurred. Most forms of impurity can be nullified through immersion in any natural collection of water. Some, however require 'living water' such as springs or groundwater wells. Living water has the further advantage of being able to purify even while flowing as opposed to rainwater which must be stationary in order to purify. The mikveh is designed to simplify this requirement, by providing a bathing facility that remains in ritual contact with a natural source of water. Its main uses nowadays are: by Jewish women to achieve ritual purity before marriage, after menstruation or childbirth, by Jewish men to achieve ritual purity, as part of a traditional procedure for conversion to Judaism, for utensils used for food".

 

Let me preface by saying that I had no idea what to expect when invited to Fortu's mikveh on Friday morning. All I knew was that Matt could not come (women only), she would be in water and there would be breakfast afterwards.

 

Well, let me tell you, I loved the whole ritual and am so glad I went. We all went to the Hyatt (apparently the only hotel in Acapulco with a temple), there were about 50 of us. We were handed little sweets with "R and F" on them and beautiful hand fans. The rabbi's wife and Fortu were inside while we waited outside, once we were let in, Fortu had been bathed and was immersed in water (fountain/mini pool like), she was naked and the water came up to her chest. We all took turns going inside, in groups of about 10 to see her. Once inside, we all took turns pouring water on her head and shared a hope or blessing with her.The idea behind this is that she begins her marriage pure and "clean". She cannot wear make-up or nail polish during her mikveh, nor can she see her groom until the wedding, once the sun has set. After that, the rabbi's wife called in all the single ladies (yes, like the song) and told us that Fortu would splash us with water, which is supposed to bless us with the same fortune that she has had (husband, marriage, family). So, all the women were joking and saying that they wanted to get soaked, maybe that way they would have a ring on their finger by breakfast time :)

 

After Fortu came out, in a robe, we were handed candles and the bread was broken over her head. Those interested, also took turns stroking henna on her feet to promote fertility (it is not like a henna tattoo, more mud-like that is washed off). After that, we all headed to a beautiful breakfast area overlooking the ocean. The rabbi's wife said that now that Fortu was illuminated with God's light, she would take turns lighting our candles to share her happiness with us. After all the candles were lit, Fortu gave a beautiful speech which talked about all of the women present. Her mom and future mother-in-law also said some words directly to the bride. The tables were so girly and cute, decorated with colorful, flower shaped soaps. Certainly, a wonderful new experience!

 

 

Baruch atah Adonai, eloheinu melech ha’olam, shehecheyanu, vekyimanui, vehegyanu, lazeman hazeh.

Praised are You, Sovereign of the Universe, who gave us life, who sustained us and who allowed us to see this moment.